The climax of the year came for the Great British women’s goalball team as they embarked on the IBSA world games in Sao Paulo, Brazil. With a total of thirteen women’s teams, they would have to be placed in the top four of a seven team round robin before going through to a ‘play off’ – the winner of which qualifying for the Beijing Paralympics next year. At the end of an eight month preparation the women had so much to play for.
Disappointment struck early as young protégée Emily Luke suffered a broken finger days before the start of the tournament. Despite shaken confidences the team remained determined and secured an unexpected 4-1 victory in their first game against Greece. The team looked comfortable in defence and showcased an imaginative attack, with Jessica Luke scoring her first international hat-trick. This would prove the start of murmurings – Great Britain could provide stiff competition.
The following day saw a 1-3 defeat by the experienced Swedes, and a reasonable 6-2 victory over Italy.
Great Britain next challenged the unbeaten Germany. Unfortunately GB showed none of their initial spark, with perhaps the one exception being the superb diagonal shot, which proved the team’s only goal. Great Britain appeared panicked in comparison to the efficient manner in which Germany yielded a 5-1 win.
Knowing they would have to raise their game, the team spent time polishing battle plans in time for their next match against new-comers Iran. Both teams started the game with high spirits, yet it was Iran to snatch the first goal. Without loosing tempo GB were quick to equalise, and with the solid defence of centre Yvette Adkins, ended the half 4-1. In the second half the fight truly begun; Iran had pulled back to 4-4. Now all thoughts turned to attack. Goal followed goal, as the explosive power of the Iranians was matched by the thoughtful positioning of wingers Jessica Luke and Anna Sharkey. GB stayed one step ahead each time, finishing with a 9-7 victory.
Exuding fresh confidence, Great Britain would take on European champions Finland. This marked a great performance in centre for Louise Simpson, who also scored two crucial GB goals for the team. The game was close run, and with the final minute lasting an eternity, the GB women controlled a smart 4-3 win – an impressive end against a challenging opponent.
Having completed the group stage in third position, Great Britain would come up against second placed Japan from the other group.
This team was quite unlike anything Great Britain had yet faced. Although Japan was not powerful in attack, they displayed a phenomenal accuracy for angles, and successfully played on their opponents frustrations. GB was unable to score and finally lost 5-0.
Unfortunately, loosing against Japan subsequently meant loosing a chance to compete at the Paralympic Games 2008. Having only lost to the bronze, silver and gold medallists (Japan, Sweden, and Germany respectively) the Great British women’s team should be proud of their efforts and look forward to world class potential in 2012.
By Michele Bedard
The John Oakley Tournament took place in Brighton this year. Five development teams participated, Brighton, Leeds B, Worcester, Hampshire and North London B. There were four experienced teams, North London, West Midlands, Vista and London Sports. Friends and family were also in attendance to cheer on the teams.
This was my first time watching development teams. I was impressed with the determination and commitment to the game. They played very well and had the support of their coaches and friends. Worcester won the tournament thanks to their great team work and a fantastic centre player. Also they had a very supportive and helpful coach along the way.
The experienced players all performed well. It was a tough competition this time. Vista performed extremely well making them the winners of the tournament. I have seen this team play quite a few times in the last year. They have always had a very strong defense and it’s hard to score past them. Jessica Luke was able to defend some very fast shoots from West Midlands. It was very impressive!! In this tournament they displayed some strong shooting skills. Joe’s very quick returns and Emily Luke’s fast shot helped them score. They showed excellent skills throughout the day and great team work. The win was well deserved and very exciting to watch.
Emily Luke was also awarded The John Oakley Trophy for the most improved player of the year 2007 award. Emily has really developed over the passed year into a strong player. She shows strong team work during the game and has really developed her skills. She is a great asset to her team and the game.
Thanks to everyone who participated making it a great day and a successful tournament, especially all the officials, referees and coaches.
Development & Intermediate Teams
February 2nd 2008
This year’s tournament was run in two sections, intermediate and development. There were teams from West Midlands, Worcester, Leeds, Moor End and Vista who completed the Development section and West Midlands, Huddersfield, Leeds, Vista and North London in the Intermediate section.
It turned out that the Development Tournament was decided in the very first Game of the day, when West Midlands Lora Turnham scored a winner with the very last shot to beat Worcester. West Midlands consisting of Lora Turnham, Edward Green and Luke Simmons didn’t look back, they went on to win all their remaining games to boast a 100% record. Worcester won their remaining games too, which secured them 2 nd place, with Leeds a gallant 3 rd, Moor End 4 th and Vista 5 TH.
The Intermediate Tournament was a closer run affair, but again having one team, Huddersfield, winning all their games. They battled well, and came out on top in a couple of very close matches. Leeds held them to a close run 2-1 affair and they left it late to get a winner against Vista. The team consisting of Riyaz Hazi, Mohammed Javed and Ahsan Ali played well and also boasted the 2 nd 100% record of the day. West Midlands came 2 nd with their only defeat going to Huddersfield, Leeds were 3 rd, Vista4 TH and North London came 5 th.
Barrie Lane
January 19th 2008
It was a rain-soaked Saturday in mid January when British Blind Sport Goalball held its AGM tournament. This fun event took place at Whitehall Junior School in Walsall, thirty-three players taking part divided up into nine teams in two sections, each team being named after a toy bear.
The grades 1 & 2 section contested by five teams was won thoughtfully, but not altogether convincingly, by the Care Bears who managed to scrape a narrow 2-0 win over the Cuddly Bears in a close fought final. The other teams having to content themselves with the minor places; the Yogi Bears sulking after a lovers-tiff with Boo-Boo, the Winnie the Pooh’s being stuck together with honey and the Rupert Bears having lost their lucky checked trousers!
The grades 3 & 4 section was in the main a very closely-run thing with the Nookey Bears, the Big Teds and the Little Teds battling out a close round-robin, decided in the end on goal difference. The Paddington Bears had obviously eaten far too many marmalade sandwiches for their own good as they were well stuffed! A rather one- sided final saw the Big Teds bully those poor little Nookey Bears into submission 9-2, ahhh!
